Gem Junkies

Brecken & Jonathan are in a golden state of mind in this week's episode where they discuss November's birthstone, Citrine. Learn the recipe to a great new detox (just in time for the Holiday food fest!), how to get "more smarter," and all that other science-y stuff the Gem Junkies bring. Get into the ~Golden~ mood with us.

On this Halloween Special be careful of holding onto your gems too tightly, as they might turn on you. Brecken and Jonathan take us back to a time where gemstones would come alive, and possess secret powers- a time when science couldn't answer the ponderous sundries of coincidence and superstition. But were all of those ancients really crazy- or do some gemstones actually display some otherwo...

Brecken & Jonathan tackle another member of the Garnet family- this one turns green under pressure- the Grossular Garnet! Known to the jewelry industry as Mint or Tsavorite Garnet this beauty can rival that of Emerald, but how? Learn more about its well-timed discovery, the science behind its green glow, and what the jewelry market makes of this green goddess with this weeks episode!

This week Jonathan and Brecken talk about something truly phenomenal- Alexandrite. This two-faced gemstone has captivated the gemstone world by setting the standard for a true color-changing gem. The question is, how? Catch this show for the breakdown of science, lore, and the gemstone market, all about Alex! 00:00:00              Sorry Standford 00:30:00              We’re back and gators 02:13:0...

Because of popular demand Gem Junkies explore the long and exotic history of Turquoise. A gemstone as old as time is sure to have been used for some weird stuff. Explore the lore and science behind this blue treasure and keep an eye out for a Turquoise on your next shopping trip- Brecken will be!

Gem Junkies are back from their venture into Tanzania to explore the mines of the gemstones featured in 'Sharing The Rough.' They recap their visit to the mines, the cutters, and the Maasai school, and of course the SAFARI! Join us for a fun episode, and get some insights on how the jewelry industry does business.

Wrapping things up in our own special coating of Nacre with our part 2 of the Pearl series. Brecken and Jonathan follow the life of a well-traveled Pearl, we also head to a very strange place to uncover the worlds biggest Pearl, all while discussing what makes this little organic gem so valuable. Join us for this epic journey into the sea of Pearls! 00:00:00              Your fly is down 00:41:00 ...

Well, with the world as our oyster there is only one thing on our mind- PEARLS. Brecken & Jonathan begin to delve into this timeless, organic gemstone in their two-part series. In this episode, we learn how Cleopatra brings all the kings to the yard, how Oysters are responsible for these glossy beauties, and Jonathan discovers an easy way to cool off in the hot summer months. So gather around...

Finally, the track we have been teasing about- Brecken and Jonathan discuss a fiercely trending gem, and all of the death and destruction revolving around this impostor crystal. So come for the lore, and stay for the science as we breakdown Spinel in this week's episode of GEM JUNKIES.

Gem Junkies, Brecken and Jonathan spend this week chatting with friend, and beloved Instagram Jewelry Guru, Benjamin Guttery, a.k.a. THIRD COAST GEMS! We hear how Benjamin and Third Coast Gems came to be, get a hard lesson in consistency and perseverance in the social media game, and are given insights into the magic behind a great Instagram presence.

Brecken and Jonathan Farnsworth sit down and chat with good friend, and filmmaker, Orin Mazzoni, to discuss his most recent work documenting the journey of a gemstone from mine to market. His film takes a deeper look at all of the hands a gemstone touches and the lives it affects along the way as it is crafted into a piece of jewelry. The jewelry industry is a funny thing and has a way of pulling...

This week we touch on a pretty gemstone that you might be surprised comes in more colors than blue- TOPAZ. Brecken wants to share stories of what those crazy ancient people thought the stone did, and Jonathan makes a medical discovery. As always we will delve in to a lesson on color and answer the question, "You mean Topaz isn't just blue?!" Oh boy, fellow Gem Junkie, do we have sho...

This week on the pod, junkies Brecken and Jonathan dive into the legends, history, market, and science behind this green(ish), August birthstone. Whether you perido like it or preidon't like this gemmy, you should peritry to understand it!

A curiosity recently unveiled in the gemstone world, this week Brecken & Jonathan talk Tanzanite. What makes them gemstone valuable, and why does that change so much? What gives this gemstone color, AND WhY DOeS ThaT CHaNGE sO MUCh?! So many questions, well we've got some answers!

On this episode of Gem Junkies, Brecken and Jonathan discuss a little of everything, everything but the kitchen sink. We are talking Tourmaline, people! You asked, so here it is a full episode on this colorful, fun, and jam packed gem.

Brecken & Jonathan are back with part 2 in the Sapphire series where they discuss the rainbow world of this corundum. Sapphire is a sophisticated gem, she has many sides. They also take a look at phenomenal Sapphires and discuss the market for these fancy- and I do mean FANCY- Sapphire

The truth is revealed on this episode of Gem Junkies. Where are Blue Sapphires mined? What makes them blue? Wait, isn't that the same stuff that makes Ruby, red? The answer to all this and more can be found in the episode! We wouldn't lie to you, we have our Sapphires on.

All the best things in life are green... We’re talkin’ Emeralds, people! Gem Junkies cross off number 2 of the big three (Rubies, Emeralds, & Sapphires). We head to COLOOOMBIAAA, check out Emerald mines, and look at this inclusive little gem. Join the Junkies and get hooked! 00:00:00              Jardin 01:00:00              Recuperating from the Luxury/JCK Show 04:14:00              Ruby corr...

We are ready for part two on Opals. In this episode we head to the south, the southest of souths- Australia! We talk opal types, miners, markets, and kangaroos. So, grab your breaky (as any Aussie would say) and join us!

All hail The King of Gemstones, RUBY! You might have heard of it, but do you know why its so renowned and associated with wealth and power? Or what gives Ruby the rich red color? Gemologists and jewelry designers Brecken and Jonathan explore the hefty reputation of this prized gemstone.  00:00:00              Col-o-ra-do 00:36:00               Tell us how hard our teeth are? (Follow-up question fr...

What do Opals, Queen Victoria, and a sassy shoulder have in common? Find out as we introduce Part One of our Opal series. In this episode we discuss the origination of Opals, the science behind their creation, stories and fables from this ancient gemstone, and a brief look at all of the regions producing this fabulous rainbow gem.

Gemologists and Jewelry Designers Brecken and Jonathan Farnsworth discuss a new discovery in the gemstone world.